Electroplating Troubleshooting Wizard

Use this interactive wizard to diagnose common electroplating defects from visual symptoms and process context. Select the observed defect, process type and where the problem appears on the part. The tool ranks probable root causes and suggests corrective actions and process control checks, including guidance on when to use a Hull cell test.

This wizard provides rule-based guidance for troubleshooting electroplating defects. It does not replace laboratory analysis, Hull cell testing, specifications or engineering judgement.

Step 1

Process Context & Observed Defect

Describe the process, part and defect to drive the diagnosis.

Plating process type *	Choose the closest bath family – the rules are tuned by process type.
Base material *
Primary defect *	Pick the dominant defect. If there are multiple, choose the most severe or characteristic one.
Where is the defect worst? *
Deposit appearance
Hull cell & test notes
Recent changes
Additional notes

The diagnosis uses weighted rules based on defect type, process family and location. Use it to guide investigation, not as a definitive answer.

Output 1

Probable Root Causes (Ranked)

Likely causes based on defect, process and part geometry.

Root cause ranking

Select the process, base material and defect above, then press Run Diagnosis to see a ranked list of probable causes with short explanations.

Output 2

Recommended Corrective Actions

Practical actions to stabilise and improve the process.

Suggested actions

Run a diagnosis to see tailored corrective actions for the selected defect and process.

Output 3

Process Control Checks & Hull Cell Guidance

Targeted checks to confirm the diagnosis and stabilise the line.

Recommended checks & tests

Run a diagnosis to see targeted process checks, including Hull cell recommendations.

Tip: open the Hull Cell Test Diagnostic Tool from the Dataplate Web Apps page and use the same process information to interpret your test panels alongside this wizard.